Evaluation of an innovative school-based social work project

This paper focuses on an evaluation of a pilot project developed by a voluntary organisation based in the UK. The project aimed to work in partnership with educators and families to re-engage pupils with significant problems... [ view full abstract ]

This paper focuses on an evaluation of a pilot project developed by a voluntary organisation based in the UK. The project aimed to work in partnership with educators and families to re-engage pupils with significant problems reflected in education disruption, poor attainment and attendance. The project was based in a secondary school (ages 11-18) situated in a city area characterised by poverty, high unemployment and crime that made it difficult for pupils to engage consistently in learning. Individual, family and community expectations were generally low and low aspirations had intensified through a history of the local schools consistently failing generations of children.
The main focus of the evaluation was on the programme of change in the school and on the social work practice with young people, families and the community. The research approach was qualitative and involved all those who were affected by the research, especially those whose voices are often ignored or silenced i.e. the young people in the school and their families. The evaluation took place over one year commencing in September 2013. The methods included: focus group sessions with school pupils and with family members; individual interviews with key members of the education teams including management and school sponsors; individual and joint interviews with social work project staff, social work students on placement and their practice educator; together with examination of social work and school records.
The findings highlight the importance of creating a safe place within a school where young people can be supported in coping with social problems together with a commitment to a long-term strategy of change aimed at “getting to the heart of generations of social deprivation and failure and compensating for years of poor opportunities”.